The Kingdom of God Is Like a Weed:
What Jesus’ Mustard Seed Really Means
Sermon Date: February 23, 2026
Here at New Spirit Lutheran Church in Tucson, this past Sunday we explored one of Jesus’ most surprising parables — the mustard seed. At first glance, it sounds small and sentimental. But when we look closer, it’s anything but.
What Did Jesus Mean by Comparing the Kingdom of God to a Mustard Seed?
When most of us hear “mustard seed,” we picture something tiny that grows into something nice and manageable. However, mustard wasn’t admired in Jesus’ day. It was invasive. It spread aggressively. Once planted, it was difficult to contain.
Imagine Jesus saying today, “The kingdom of God is like a dandelion pushing through the cracks in your driveway.” The Kingdom of God shows up where it wasn’t invited. It grows where it wasn’t expected. God’s Kingdom refuses to stay small.
How Small Ministries Make a Big Impact
At New Spirit, we’ve seen how the kingdom often starts small. A few people taking food to a park has grown into a ministry serving over 100 people each month.
Similarly, A Bible study that once gathered around a small table now requires pulling more tables together. A book club that once struggled to gather three people now searches for enough chairs.
Also, even a quilting group has created over 100 quilts and 150 knit caps, building relationships and meeting real needs in our community.
Why This Matters in Tucson
Living in Tucson teaches us something about resilience. In the Sonoran Desert, life pushes up through dry ground and cracked pavement in extreme heat.
The kingdom of God does not wait for perfect conditions. It grows in hard places. It grows through ordinary people.
Reflect This Week
- Where am I waiting for something dramatic instead of planting something small?
- What ordinary act of faithfulness is in front of me right now?
- What is God growing that I’ve dismissed?
Watch This Week’s Message
Sunday, February 22, 2026 Worship Service
Join Us
Are you looking for a welcoming church in Tucson where faith is lived out through real community, honest questions, and everyday acts of grace? If you are, we invite you to take the next step and join us at New Spirit Lutheran Church.
We gather for worship in person each Sunday at 10:00 am. At the same time, you are invited to join us online from wherever you are.
About New Spirit Lutheran Church
New Spirit Lutheran Church in Tucson is a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), a nationwide Lutheran denomination rooted in grace, community, and service.
